Undergraduate Programs in Black Studies
The Black Studies curriculum is a multi-disciplinary with courses drawn from history, humanities, sociology, psychology, political science and economics. While there is no language requirement for the major, students interested in study of travel in Africa are encouraged to acquire reading and / or speaking ability in KiSwahili. Although fieldwork is not required of Black studies majors, students are strongly urged to participate for credit in a field activity or internship with private organizations and local and state agencies that impact the lives of Black people. For those students who wish to work one-on-one with a faculty member, independent study is available. An independent study project requires that the student choose a research topic to pursue for credit under the advisement and guidance of a faculty mentor.
MAJORS
Black Studies - Liberal Arts (33 credits)
Required Courses - (12 credits)
Core courses - (12 credits)
One Each From: Historical, Humanities, Socio-Psychological, Political-Economic
Electives - (9 credits)
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Black Studies - Elementary Education B-2 and 1-6 (30 credits)
Required Courses - (12 credits)
Core courses - (18 credits)
Six courses from either the historical or language arts cores.
MINOR: Black Studies- (18 credits)
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Honors
At the point of graduation, the department awards distinction to those persons who, in addition to maintaining high overall academic grades in their studies, achieve a 3.4 grade point average as a Black Studies major. Each year the department selects one graduate as the Outstanding Black Studies Major of the Year.
Black Studies courses highly recommended/required for freshmen considering the major or minor:
| BLK100 | Introduction to Black Studies | SSCI |
| BLK200 | Introduction to Africa | WRLD |
| BLK201 | Black History I | DIVR |
| BLK202 | Black History II | DIVR |
| BLK211 | Black Sociology | DIVR |
| BLK221 | The Black Woman | |
| BLK268 | Survey of Black American Literature | HUM |
| BLK285 | Introduction to Black Psychology | WRLD |
| BLK272 | Rap and Spoken Word | HUM |
The following KiSwahili courses in Foreign Languages are highly recommended for Black Studies majors and minors. KiSwahili is the most widely spoken African language and meets the Language Requirement in General Education.
| KIS101 | Elementary KiSwahili I | FLNG |
| KIS102 | Elementary KiSwahili II | FLNG |
The following courses open to freshmen fulfill the requirement for electives for Black Studies majors and minors:
| BLK231 | Development of Afro-Latin American Civilization 1492-1825 |
| BLK232 | Contemporary Afro-American Civilization Since 1825 |
| BLK250 | Malcolm X: The Man and His Times |
| BLK260 | Essence of Black Music |
| BLK263 | Black Dance |
| BLK269 | Black Poetry and Drama |
Note: The Black Studies major can lead students to careers in many areas including social welfare, politics, education, and law. For further information, consult the SUNY New Paltz Undergraduate Catalog, or call the Department of Black Studies at (845) 257-2760
